Research

Our research explores the most pressing topics in international journalism, media and communication. Discover how our work reveals journalism's bigger picture.

About our work

Protesters at an event, one holding a placard reading "I wish this were fake news"

Find out more about the key themes, ethical values and mission of our research.

Dr Emma Heywood working with local people in Niger

Impact and knowledge exchange

Research projects

Research groups and centres

Centre for Freedom of the Media

The Centre for Freedom of the Media (CFOM) is an interdisciplinary research centre with global outreach on issues of media freedom, independence and plurality, hosted here at the University of Sheffield.

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A person sat on a chair holding a flaming newspaper.

Disinformation Research Cluster

The Disinformation Research Cluster is a group of research staff from within the department who focus on the study of mis/disinformation.

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A line of women with 1950s hairstyles and clothing reading newspapers in a library.

Centre for the Study of Journalism and History

Based primarily in the Department of History, this centre features research from a number of our academics and honorary colleagues.

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Events and news

Research seminars

Our research seminars invite academics from both within the department and around the world to present their latest work on journalism, media and communication.

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A person with a large rucksack, helmet labelled 'press' and two cameras strapped to their back facing away from the camera.

International Journalism Week

International Journalism Week (IJW) is an annual showcase of talks and workshops from active journalists and academics.

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Picture of a protest with a woman holding a sign reading "we are better than this"

International Public and Political Communication Conference

The annual International Public and Political Communication (IPPC) Conference brings together some of the most influential voices within public and political communication today.

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A woman at a news stand looking at a row of newspapers.

News: Lecturers launch two ground-breaking books

Two of our lecturers, Dr. Dani Madrid-Morales and Dr. Jingrong Tong, have each launched new books based on their pioneering research on the emerging areas of disinformation and data in journalism.

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Jour research in Burkina Faso — Reporting in Ouaga, 3. © Kalidou Sy - Fondation Hirondelle

News: Using radio to tackle Covid-19 misinformation in Burkina Faso

Attacked by extremist groups and enduring climate disasters, Burkina Faso is dealing with a humanitarian emergency that has been worsened by Covid-19. By Dr. Emma Heywood.

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